Bajaj Pulsar 200NS

The Pulsar range of motorcycles has always been Bajaj Auto’s trump card in the performance motorcycling segment. Starting with the iconic Pulsar 150 & 180 twins back in 2001, the range has evolved over the years with many class leading features being introduced over the years. The Pulsar 200 NS is no exception since it is a product that has evolved out of the tie-up with KTM and thus is currently the flagship of the Pulsar range. Bajaj calls it the most advanced Pulsar yet and they aren’t kidding. At the same time however, Bajaj denies that the NS shares components with the KTM Duke 200. So what is the truth? We try to find out more.

The 4 stroke SOHC liquid cooled engine on the Pulsar 200 NS is a 199.5 cc triple spark unit with bore X stroke dimensions of 72 mm X 49 mm is a potent single cylinder unit featuring 4 valves. While not fuel injected, it still manages to put out a respectable 23.52 PS of power @ 9500 rpm and 18.3 NM of torque @ 8000 rpm. The punchy engine transfers its power to the chain drive via a 6 speed constant mesh gearbox. Bajaj have retained carburetors rather than fuel ignition and this helps a tad with power delivery. While the engine is underpowered compared to the KTM unit, it is way smoother and powerful than the engines found on earlier Pulsars. The centrally mounted midship exhaust featuring ExhaustTEC technology also helps with better engine performance reducing back pressure while at also giving the bike a gruff exhaust note.

The 12 litre fuel tank on the 200 NS can make long distance touring a somewhat cumbersome affair since the bike definitely does not return the figures that Bajaj claims. The company claims an overall mileage of 58 kmpl,however only if you ride it like an old man. Ride the bike the way it is supposed to be ridden and you will see an overall figure of somewhere in the mid 30’s to low 40’s. But that’s just a small price to pay for the overall product. Bajaj definitely seems to be heading in the right direction with the 200 NS.

So how does that power translate to performance on the streets? Well, for starters, the 0-100 run takes up 10.2 seconds & the bike goes on to a company claimed top speed of 135 kmph. This aptly named hooligan inspires you to rev the nuts off her and the perimeter frame, monoshock rear suspension & disc brakes front and back are more than enough to keep you grinning inside your helmet. The broad tyres help keep things on an even keel. Running 17 inch tubeless MRF Eurogrip tyres, the front is a 100/80 section & the rear is a 130/70. The unique tread pattern helps keep the bike firmly planted during aggressive cornering. The bike is quite forgiving but takes serious inputs to muscle it around technical corners. It does not bite back should you manage to put her fimly in the corner, but do tread with care. The wider turning radius will mean that you will not be able to flick it so easily.